LANTERN FESTIVAL

Setsubun in Nara is celebrated with great pomp to celebrate the transition from winter to spring. At Gangōji Gokurakubō Temple at noon, the Saitōgoma-e, a fire ceremony, is held. At Kōfuku-ji at 7:00 pm, small and large demons are chased around the Tô-Kondō by Bishamon-ten. In the evening, an impressive lantern festival with procession takes place at Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In summer, another lantern festival is held to commemorate the dead. It is usually held around August 15. Not to be missed!